My neurogolist put me on lexapro starting today due to my anxiety. I've been going through some issues at home, personal, work, etc. that it got to the point where I was having rages/anger issues.

Anyway, ever since I started the Lexapro, I've had the same joint pain that I experience when I am in a flare up. I feel fine uc wise but just starting experiencing joint pain today! I haven't had this problem in months! I go for my Remicade treatments regularly.

I am also on Klonopin because the doctor wanted to prevent me from going through withdrawal effects from Fioricet, a drug I was on for YEARS. Anyway, could it be that lexapro doesn't agree with me? I just don't feel "right" physically. When I first took it in the morning, i felt like I was in a fog. I had such a hard time teaching for the first half of the day but felt better as the day went on but the join pain is still there.

Any suggestions? I already called the doctor's office and spoke to one of the nurses. She said she will speak to the doctor either tonight or tomorrow. As much as I want my anxiety to be under control, I cannot live with constant joint pain. Its too unbearable. Been there, done that.

I am not sure about the joint pain....but the "fog" you are experiencing is probably normal. I just started on 20mg Paxil for the same anxiety issues and am in a fog myself....sluggish feeling, a bit lazy feeling...but the anxiety is definitely suppressed.34 yr old male. UC for 14 years. Started left-sided, most recent scope shows pancolitis. 30mg pred (as of 2/01/09), 12x pills Asacol per day, 1mg Atavan per day (anxiety) when needed, 20mg paxil per day, Super-omega fish oil pills - 1x per day, Flax oil pills - 1x am, 1x pm, Culturelle probiotics - 2x am, 1x pm, Spinach and sunflower seed diet (moderated recently due to kidney stones). Multivitamin. Recent Endonasal brain surgery to remove non-cancerous hormone producing tumor on pituitary gland (and I am still more afraid of my UC!!) "I poop in the woods because I can"

I felt like crap on Celexa (milder version of Lexapro)...basically lethargic and non-functioning. That didn't even compare, however, to the Paxil with an added headache and being in another dimension of life.

I guess much of it's determined by how much you're willing to tolerate and how much extra input (therapy, relaxation, exercise, interaction...etc) you might have to do to learn the tools to cope with your anxiety.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an awesome tool....but also if you're wanting to do some reading on the same basis with changing your perspective, Eckhart Tole's books might be helpful.

I can definitely relate to the anxiety and learning to deal...it's not an easy fix by any means.

Just from my experience - Lexapro and two other anti-anxiety medications made me feel lethargic, loopy as they say, etc. I had to stop them. Finally, I tried Xanax (doctor hesitated to give me it because of possible addiction he said) and I find I can take 1/2 dose every 4 to six hours. Takes the "edge" off the anxiety but I am not more tired or loopy (than usual lol). I am a senior and been under stress with my husband illness, etc. It is JUST ENOUGH! BUT - exercise, meditation, other methods are must better for anxiety and give them a try for sure to avoid any possible addiction. You do have to be careful!!

ElaineNY

Senior - New diagnosed with proctosigmoiditis - 6/2008

Tried all mesalamines and enemas, Canasa, etc. Colonoscopy 10/28 showed only few cm. left to heal -hydrocortisone enemas 12 days - much worse. Cannot tolerate mesalamine!

I was already addicted to Fioricet for my migraines and also for anxiety. I didn't realize the damage of being on this drug can do to a person until I saw my doctors. I am currently on Klonopin and want to stay on this until I get out of work (I;m a teacher) for the summer. Then if all goes well, I will start tapering off. I couldn't believe how lethargic I felt being on Lexapro after one day! I couldn't do it. I need my energy. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I am reading the Tole books. Its really interesting. :)